Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $63 million in grants to 130 supportive housing service providers throughout New York State. The funding, distributed through the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP), represents a 40 percent increase in support aimed at maintaining and expanding housing options for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
“Creating and preserving supportive housing is central to my administration’s commitment to making New York more affordable and continues our fight to reduce homelessness across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments in the New York State Supportive Housing Program will allow supportive housing providers statewide to continue their vital work to help individuals and families that have experienced homelessness remain safely housed and get the essential services they need to thrive in their communities.”
The NYSSHP is managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and supports over 20,000 permanent and transitional housing units, which serve about 36,000 people across New York. The recent state budget includes an additional $17.8 million for NYSSHP, marking the largest funding increase for this program in four decades.
More than 44 projects were identified as particularly financially vulnerable this year; these projects will see nearly double per-unit rates due to enhanced funding. Other providers will receive approximately a 30 percent increase.
Barbara C. Guinn, OTDA Commissioner, stated: “The funding increases in this year’s NYSSHP awards are tremendously important to ensuring that our existing supportive housing stock remains viable and accessible. These awards will strengthen providers’ ability to deliver the supportive services that make these programs unique and successful in helping vulnerable populations remain housed. We are grateful to all of our supportive housing providers, who, day in and day out, provide essential services to thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers and to Governor Hochul for making historic investments to preserve and expand much-needed supportive housing options across New York State.”
The NYSSHP initiative is part of a broader five-year plan valued at $25 billion with a goal of creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes—including 10,000 with support services—and electrifying another 50,000 residences by fiscal year-end 2027. Funding sources include capital resources from both state and federal levels as well as allocations intended for shelter operations, rental subsidies, tax credits, and other federal contributions.
Governor Hochul’s proposed executive budget continues substantial investment into permanent supportive housing through several measures:
– $153 million for OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), plus an extra $25 million supplement.
– $300 million dedicated toward Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), up by $60 million from last year.
– $100 million earmarked for Rental Supplement Program (RSP).
– An allocation of $74.2 million supporting consolidated homeless service programs such as NYSSHP itself.
– A four-year pilot with $50 million set aside for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP).
Several legislators expressed support for these developments:
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said: “I applaud today’s announcement of $63 million in NYSSHIP funding. This is a direct result of last year’s work with my colleagues and Governor Hochul to secure a $17.8 million increase for this program. The more than 30,000 New Yorkers residing in safe and permanent supportive housing are worthy of our continued investment.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh added: “Supportive housing is one of the most effective and humane tools we have to address homelessness and housing instability… I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her partnership on this… I look forward to continuing our work to expand housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Maritza Davila noted: “This $63 million investment in the New York State Supportive Housing Program is a critical and much needed step toward stabilizing and strengthening supportive housing across our state…”
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon commented: “A safe, stable place to live is the bedrock of recovery… By increasing funding for supportive housing providers… I’m grateful to Governor Hochul…”
Leaders from organizations providing direct services also responded positively:
Sondra Young from Albany Housing Coalition highlighted how increased funds aid efforts preventing veteran homelessness.
Carole Coppens at YWCA Binghamton & Broome County said enhanced resources would improve staffing capacity crucial for safety standards.
Andrew Studley from Connecting Communities in Action described how stabilized resources allow them flexibility within tenant support programming.
Charles King at Housing Works pointed out that NYSSHP backing strengthens community-based initiatives aiding residents’ stability.
Kristen Giroux at Interfaith Partnership emphasized doubling support staff thanks to increased funds at their Gloversville residence.
Nicole Branca from New Destiny Housing underlined benefits especially relevant for domestic violence survivors seeking stable environments after trauma.
Lisa Silverstone at Safe Harbors appreciated responsiveness enabling continued assistance at Cornerstone Residence.
Dr. Junior Dillion with Volunteers of America Upstate indicated that annual outreach exceeding 10,000 people depends partly on such grant enhancements.